CNN, the worldwide leader in news,
today announced the creation of CNN Films to secure feature-length
documentaries for air on CNN and CNN International, alongside theatrical
distribution. The move is part of a wider strategy to acquire original
non-fiction content to complement CNN’s award-winning news programs; it was
announced by CNN Worldwide Managing Editor Mark Whitaker.

“Girl Rising,” the first documentary
acquired by CNN Films, will air in spring 2013. The film, which inspired
a global action campaign to promote girls’ education called 10x10, tells the
extraordinary stories of several girls from around the globe, fighting to
overcome impossible odds to realize their dreams. The film includes voice
performances by Academy Award Winner Meryl Streep, Academy Award
Nominee Anne Hathaway, Kerry Washington, and Selena Gomez.
“Girl Rising” is directed by Academy Award Nominee Richard E. Robbins
(“Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience”) and executive produced
by Tom Yellin and Holly Gordon of the Documentary Group and Paul
G. Allen of Vulcan Productions.

CNN Films has also signed development
deals with Academy Award Winning Director and Producer Alex Gibney
(“Taxi to the Dark Side,” “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room,” and “Client
9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer”) and Director Andrew Rossi (“Page
One: Inside the New York Times”). Both will develop original
documentaries to air on CNN.

“CNN Films will bring
distinguished, thought-provoking documentary programming to our global
audiences on all our television, online and mobile platforms,” said Whitaker.
“We want these documentaries to tell compelling stories and stimulate important
discussions across CNN’s other programs and websites.”

The original feature-length
documentaries will examine an array of political, social, and economic subject
matters. The films will premiere in primetime and will re-air in order to
increase exposure. Surrounding the premiere of each documentary,
acclaimed CNN programs will run dedicated programming that sheds light on the
topics and issues discussed in each film. In-depth interviews, expert
commentary, roundtable discussions, debates, and behind-the-scenes footage will
be featured across all of CNN’s broadcast and online platforms.

Amy Entelis, senior vice
president of talent and content development for CNN Worldwide, and Vinnie
Malhotra, senior vice president of development and acquisitions for CNN
Worldwide, will oversee the acquisition strategy of documentaries under the CNN
Films banner. Malhotra will manage the day-to-day operation of CNN Films,
and work directly with filmmakers to develop original projects.